Durable Container with Integrated Protection Feature

ABSTRACT

A container (100) comprises a container body (102) having a cavity for receiving a product therein, the container body having a front surface (112), back surface (120), first sidewall (116) and second sidewall (118), and a bumper (121, 124) attached to at least a first sidewall of the container body, wherein the bumper comprises a first opening extending thereinto by a predetermined depth, the bumper being configured to elastically deform to absorb external forces applied to the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/608,961 filed on Dec. 21, 2017, the entirety of which isincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of packaging, andspecifically to protective packaged containers used to dispense a fluidor gel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various containers are known in the art for the retention and exhibitionof fluids or gels such as cleaning products, fabric care, or oral careproducts. Such containers are typically formed with a primary packaginghaving a shape and size selected to minimize weight and/or outer profileso as to maximize the quantity of containers receivable in a shippingcarton. However, this primary packaging sacrifices structural integrityfor other factors such as weight, size and aesthetics. Thus, in order toship said container, they must be provided with a secondary or tertiarypackaging to protect the container during transport. In some cases, theprimary packaging is loaded into a shipping carton (secondary packaging)and the shipping carton is provided with a means to prevent furtherdamage to the container during transport (tertiary packaging). Forexample, a cushioning material (e.g., loose-fill styrofoam packingmaterial or “packing peanuts”, air-filled sacs, etc.) is inserted intothe shipping carton to prevent free movement of the container duringtransport. However, these packaging systems are cumbersome and requirethe addition of additional packaging materials at various stages oftransport, therefore increasing the manpower needed to transport goodsto a consumer, creating extra steps to be completed by the shipper andany intermediary parties (e.g., third-party seller), and increasing theoverall cost of shipping the container.

Further, in a situation where only a small quantity of containers is tobe shipped, the containers are often loaded in a large shipping box,thereby using valuable space in a transport vehicle and reducing thequantity of items that can be shipped together.

There is a need for a container which is configured to withstand forcedapplied thereto (e.g., for e-commerce) while preventing the need forrepackaging a container during transport,

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a container comprises a containerbody having a cavity for receiving a product therein, the container bodyhaving a front surface, back surface, first sidewall and secondsidewall, and a bumper attached to at least a first sidewall of thecontainer body, wherein the bumper comprises a first opening extendingthereinto by a predetermined depth, the bumper being configured toelastically deform to absorb external forces applied to the container.

The present invention is also directed to a container, comprising acontainer body having a cavity for receiving a product therein and a lidsealing an opening to said cavity, the container body having a frontsurface, back surface, first sidewall and second sidewall, and aprotective bumper enclosing said container body, said protective bumpercomprising a first opening extending thereinto by a predetermined depth,the protective bumper being configured to deform to absorb externalforces applied to the container.

The present invention is also directed to a method of shipping,comprising: affixing a shipping label directly to a container, saidcontainer comprising a container body having a cavity for receiving aproduct therein, the container body having a front surface, backsurface, first sidewall and second sidewall, and a bumper attached to atleast a first sidewall of the container body, the bumper adapted toabsorb forces applied to the container to protect the container body,wherein the bumper comprises a first opening extending thereinto by apredetermined depth, the opening being configured to elastically deformto absorb external forces applied to the container. The method furthercomprises the step of shipping said container, with the proviso that nosecondary packaging is provided for said container, wherein saidcontainer is configured to withstand forces applied thereto duringshipping without fracturing or leaking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the exemplified embodiments will be described withreference to the following drawings in which like elements are labeledsimilarly. The present invention will become more fully understood fromthe detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a container according to oneembodiment of the present invention in a biased, resting configuration;

FIG. 1B is a side view of two of the containers of FIG. 1A in partiallycompressed configuration;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view depicting load distribution for thecontainer of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a container according to anotherembodiment of the present invention in a biased, resting configuration;

FIG. 2B is a side view of two of the containers of FIG. 2A in partiallycompressed configuration; and

FIG. 2C is a perspective view depicting load distribution for thecontainer of FIG. 2A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles ofthe present invention is intended to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entirewritten description. In the description of embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merelyintended for convenience of description and is not intended in any wayto limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as“lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,”“down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g.,“horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed torefer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawingunder discussion. These relative terms are for convenience ofdescription only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed oroperated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated assuch. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,”“interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structuresare secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectlythrough intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigidattachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated byreference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the inventionexpressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodimentsillustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that mayexist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of theinvention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith respect to a packaging system for a fluid or fluid-like materialincluding, but not limited to a cleaning product, water solution,skin-care product, a hair care product and/or oral care product.However, other embodiments of the present invention may be used to storeand dispense any suitable type of fluid and the invention is expresslynot limited to any particular fluidic material alone.

A container according to the present invention is formed with protectivefeatures on an outer surface thereof, the protective features beingconfigured to permit transport of the container without the need forsecondary packaging. Whereas conventional containers (e.g., containershousing oral care products such as toothpaste or mouthwash; containershousing home care products such as detergent, softener, cleaningsolution, dish soap; etc.) are packaged within a shipping cartonincluding a cushioning material therein to prevent breaks and/or leakageduring transport, the containers described herein are configured topermit shipping without the use of any secondary packaging. Informulating the containers described herein, extensive research was doneto determine the forces and loads applied to items during transport froma manufacturing facility to and end user. The containers describedherein are capable of withstanding forces from dropping, radialcompression (e.g., when loaded in a delivery vehicle with otherpackages), etc. In particular, the containers described herein areprovided with features configured to absorb and insulate the interior ofthe container from external forces. Any of the protective featuresdescribed herein may be formed integral to the container or may beremovably attached thereto. Further, any of the containers describedherein may be provided with any combination of the protective featuresdescribed herein. The exemplary containers described herein are furtherconfigured to receive a shipping label directly thereonto. The shippinglabels may be removable or permanently attached to the container. Theexemplary container described herein may be shipped without anysecondary packaging by itself or with any plurality of additionalcontainers. Further, the exemplary container may also be shipped to abrick and mortar retail store and sold with the exemplary protectivebumpers provided thereon.

The containers described herein may be formed with integrally formedbumpers which are permanently attached thereto. For example, thecontainer may be manufactured with the bumper thereon (e.g., viainjection stretch blow molding, extrusion blow molding, etc.), as thoseof skill in the art will understand. In another embodiment, the bumpermay be formed separately from the container body and attached theretoduring a manufacturing step via one or more of an adhesive, welding, amechanical attachment (e.g., tongue and groove, snap-fit, friction-fit,keyed fit, etc.) or any other method of attachment known to those ofskill in the art. Any of the container bodies described herein may bemodified to include one or more of the bumpers described herein toprovide added strength to specific portions of the container body.Further, various features of the containers described herein may becombined with one another without deviating from the scope of theinvention. As a non-limiting example, the shape of the container bodymay be substantially rectangular as in FIGS. 1A-8C, frusto-conical as inFIGS. 9A-9C, cylindrical, elliptical, or any other shape. In anembodiment where a cylindrical container body is used, a front surfaceof the container body may correspond to a portion of the container outerbody oriented in first direction. Side surfaces of the container bodymay be offset from the front surface by approximately 90 degrees and aback surface of the container body may correspond to a surface locatedopposite the front surface and separated from the side surfaces byapproximately 90 degrees. Bumpers, as described herein may be attachedto a cylindrical container body in the same manner described herein withrespect to rectangular container bodies. Further, any of the containerbodies may be modified to include any of the lids described herein,necked or otherwise. Additionally, any of the protective bumpersdescribed herein may be formed with a solid or hollow configuration.Further, any of the container bodies may be modified to include any ofthe lids described herein, necked or otherwise. Any of the protectivebumpers described herein may be formed with a solid or hollowconfiguration.

The integrally formed containers described herein may be formed of oneor more of polyolefins (polypropylenes, low, medium and high densitypolyethylenes), which may be formed via extrusion blow molding) and anycombination of the above, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) (made viainjection stretch blow molding) and elastomeric materials. Suchcontainers adhere to limitations of the blow molding process and canthus be manufactured faster than multi-component pieces and are fullyrecyclable. The separately formed containers provide the added advantagethat a number of different materials may be used to provide a desiredcombination of strength, resilience, weight and aesthetic appeal. Thecontainer body of the separately formed containers may be formed of thesame materials discussed above. The bumpers of the separately formedcontainers may be formed of extruded resins, polyolefins(polypropylenes, low, medium and high density polyethylenes) (made viaextrusion blow molding) and any combination of the above, PET (made viainjection stretch blow molding), elastomeric materials, rubbers, moldedor extruded cellulose (e.g. paper pulp).

FIGS. 1A-1C depict a container 100 for the storage of a fluidicmaterial. The container comprises a unitary container body 102 formed ofa polymer and extending along a longitudinal axis 101. A lid 104 isprovided on an upper surface 106 of the container 100, the lid 104selectively sealing an opening (not shown) formed in said upper surface106 to provide access to the contents of the container. In a preferredembodiment, the lid 104 is coupled to the container 100 by a hingemechanism, wherein the hinge may be integrally formed with the lid. Thelid 104 may alternatively be separable from the container 100. In apreferred embodiment, the container body 102 is substantiallyrectangular and comprises rounded edges to minimize damage thereto whenimpacted. This shape further facilitates case packing and is robustenough to minimize the need for secondary packaging. The upper surface106 further comprises a recessed portion 108 adjacent the opening (notshown). The recessed neck of the container body 102 further comprises aretention ring (not shown) which engages a corresponding retention ringon the lid 104.The recessed portion 108 is longitudinally offset fromthe upper surface 106 by a predetermined depth selected so that, whenthe lid 104 is positioned thereover, the lid 104 lies flush with orbelow the upper surface 106. This configuration reduces forces appliedto the lid during transport and therefore reduces the risk of the lidbecoming accidentally detached from the container. The lid 104 furthercomprises a protrusion or tab 110 provided on a gripping surface thereofto enhance the ability of a user to grip and open the lid. In analternative embodiment, the lid may be flush with the upper surface. Thelid 104 may alternatively be coupled to the container 100 by a screwengagement, friction-fit or another attachment means known in the art.An additional securement may optionally be provided over the lid 104(e.g., removable sealing mechanism such as a sticker, etc.). At least anouter portion of the lid 104 is rectangular to prevent the lid 104 fromrotating and changing orientation once received over the container body102. Alternatively, the lid 104 may be rounded.

The container comprises a front surface 112, lower surface 114 oppositethe upper surface 106, opposing side surfaces 116, 118 and a hacksurface 120. One or both of the front and back surfaces 112, 120 maycomprise a label or decorative item indicative of, for example, thecontents of the package. For example, the front surface 112 may includea label indicating the contents of the package while the back surface120 may remain blank or may include instructions on product use,instructions for use, or any other information that is conventionallyprovided on a package for end-consumer reference. The back surface 120is further adapted to receive a shipping label (not shown) thereon. Theback surface 120 may be provided with a surface treatment (e.g., a highgloss finish) that permits the shipping label to be removed therefrom byan end recipient without tearing, damaging or otherwise inhibitingaccess to the instruction label. Alternatively, the instruction labelmay not be obstructed by the shipping label. In yet another embodiment,the instruction label may be included in a separate booklet (not shown)shipped with the container 100. Alternatively, the shipping label may bea dual layer sticker wherein a first clear layer (not shown) ispermanently attached to the back surface 120 by a permanent orsemi-permanent adhesive and a second removable layer is providedthereover, the second removable layer including shipping informationincluding, but not limited to, sender details, recipient details, ordernumber, QR code, etc.

The container 100 further comprises first and second bumpers 122, 124 onside surfaces 116, 118, respectively. The first and second bumpers 122,124 may be formed integrally with the container body 102. Alternatively,the first and second bumpers may be separate elements attached to thecontainer body 102 by via one or more of an adhesive, welding, amechanical attachment (e.g., tongue and groove, snap-fit, friction-fit,keyed fit, etc.) or any other method of attachment known to those ofskill in the art. The first and second bumpers 122, 124 each comprise anarm 126 defined by an opening 128 extending through the container body102. The opening 128 may be elongated in a direction extending parallelto the longitudinal axis 101. In one embodiment, the openings 128 mayextend parallel to the longitudinal axis 101. The openings 128 maycomprise a first smooth surface 139 and a second curved surface 130. Asthe skilled person will understand, the curved surface 130 may serve todissipate external forces applied to the container 100. In oneembodiment, the opening 128 may be sized to permit a user to inserttheir fingers therethrough to grip the container 100. Although thecontainer 100 is depicted with a container 100 having a particularcombination of smooth and curved surfaces, any combination thereof isenvisioned within the scope of the invention to, for example, controlthe manner in which external forces are distributed over the container100. For example, the entire perimeter of the opening 128 may be curvedin the same manner as surface 130. Alternatively, the entire perimeterof the opening 128 may be smooth. In a preferred embodiment, the opening128 is elongated in a longitudinal direction or a direction representingthe largest dimension of the container 100. Alternatively, the openings128 may be elongated in any direction or only those directions subjectto a greatest load during transport. Preferably, the openings 128 have alength greater than or equal to at least 50% of a length of thecontainer. Alternatively, the openings 128 may have a length greaterthan or equal to 50-99% of the length of the container. In yet anotherembodiment, the openings 128 may have a length less than 50% of thelength of the container. In this embodiment, the container mayoptionally be supplemented with additional corner openings on thebumper, as depicted for example, in FIGS. 2A-2C.

The portion of the bumpers 122, 124 located radially outward of thecontainer, represented in FIG. 1B as portion 132, 134 may be hollow andopen to the hollow container body 102 such that fluid housed therein isfree to flow therethrough. In an alternative embodiment, the portions132, 134 may be filled with a material (e.g., a compressible materialconfigured to absorb external forces applied thereto, polyolefins(polypropylenes, low, medium and high density polyethylenes, PET,elastomeric materials, extruded resins, rubbers, molded or extrudedcellulose (e.g. paper pulp) and any combination of the above).

At least the bumper portion 122, 124 is compressible in one or moredirections when subjected to external load. As depicted in FIG. 1B, whenradially compressed in the directions A, B, the bumper is compressed tocause a corresponding compression of the opening 128 from a firstresting width, as depicted in FIG. 1A, to a second, smaller width, asdepicted in FIG. 1B. The elastic deformation properties of the container100 permit compression thereof in one or more directions when subjectedto external load without compromising the structural integrity of thecontainer. Further, the exemplary container 100 of the invention iscapable of being radially compressed under load but still exhibits astrength and rigidity permitting transport thereof without any secondarypackaging. When subjected to an external load (e.g., radial compressionas indicated by arrows A, B or an angled vector applied for example bydropping the container 100), the external load is dissipated across thecontainer 100 as depicted by arrows 1, 2, 3, 4 in FIG. 1C.

The configuration of the openings 128 in container 100 has been selectedto permit the container 100 to deform under external forces which wouldotherwise result in a fracture or breakage of the container. Thisconfiguration has also been selected to strengthen the container 100while avoiding the addition of any unnecessary bulk to the container,which would result in increased manufacturing and shipping costs. Theresult is a container 100 which exhibits substantially increasedrigidity when compared to prior art containers while minimizingproduction and shipping costs. Through extensive testing, it has beenfound that the container 100 is capable of withstanding forces appliedduring shipping (e.g., from a warehouse, to a shipping carrier andultimately to delivery address such as a home or business) and obviatesthe need for packaging within an additional shipping box. That is,whereas conventional containers must be packaged within a separateshipping box with additional padding provided therein, the exemplarycontainer 100 described herein is capable of being shipped on its ownwithout the use of any secondary packaging.

For example, if a force exceeding a predetermined minimum force isapplied to any of the upper, lower, front or back surfaces, the bumpers122, 124 may elastically deform via either a compression or expansion ofthe openings 128 in one or more directions) to absorb external forcesapplied to the container and prevent a fracture or rupture of thecontainer. The container 100 may be biased to return to the restingconfiguration of FIG. 1A upon removal of the extraneous force appliedthereto. It is noted that although the bellows 122, 124 is depicted withtwo openings 128, any number of openings may be used without deviatingfrom the scope of the invention, an example of which is described withrespect to FIGS. 2A-2C.

Multiple variants on the container 100 are envisioned within the scopeof the invention. For example, the inner wall 129 may be flat (planar)or curved to correspond to a curvature of wall 130. For example, acurvature of wall 129 may be configured to align peak-to-peak orpeak-to-valley with respect to peaks and valleys of wall 130. Further,the opening 128 may extend completely through the container 100 oralternatively, may extend through only a portion thereof. In the latterembodiment, the container 100 may be provided with two openings (notshown) provided on front and back surfaces 112, 120, respectively andaligned with one another. The two openings may be closed to one anotheror at least partially open to one another. In the latter case, thecontainer 100 may comprise a plurality of segmented openings open to oneanother along the length of the openings. For example, the openings maybe open to one another at one or more predetermined locations.

The openings 128 may have a uniform profile throughout the depth of thecontainer or may be tapered, as with the openings of FIGS. 2A-2C. In oneembodiment, the taper angle may be 0-60 degrees and more preferably,0-45 degrees, with the openings tapering toward an inner portion of thecontainer.

Further, any of the bumpers described herein may be configured to allowfor elastic deformation via a combination of materials used for saidbumpers and the size and shape of said bumpers. This elastic deformationallows for a temporary change in shape of the container when subjectedto a force, the temporary shape change being is self-reversing after theforce is removed, so that the container returns to its original shape.In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the bumpers describedherein may be configured to allow for plastic deformation, For example,if the force applied to the container exceeds a predetermined maximum,the bumper(s) may plastically deform, said plastic deformation absorbingat least a portion of the force, thus protecting the container and itscontents from damage.

FIGS. 2A-2C depict a container 200 according to another embodiment, Thecontainer 200 is substantially similar to the container 100 except asdiscussed below. Similar to the container 100, the container 200comprises a unitary outer body 202 extending along a longitudinal axis201, lid 204, upper surface 206, recessed portion 208, front surface212, lower surface 214, side surfaces 216, 218 and back surface 220.Unlike the container 100 which is formed with two openings 128 in thebumpers 122, 124, the container 200 comprises a bumper region 222 whichsubstantially surrounds the container body 202 and includes a pluralityof openings 228A, 228B, 230A, 2308. In one embodiment, the front andback surfaces 212, 220 may be recessed from a respective front and backsurface of the bumper 222.

The bumper 222 may formed integrally with the container body 202 or maybe formed separately and permanently attached to the container body 202during a manufacturing step. In one embodiment, the bumper 222 may be atwo piece bumper having front and back bumper portions 140, 142 whichengage one another along an interface 144. FIG. 1A may also be formedwith a similar construction. The bumper portions 140, 142 may engage oneanother via one or more of a friction fit, welding, adhesive, boss,snap-fit, stake-on, uni-directional ratchet, or any alternativemechanical locking means known to those of skill in the art.Alternatively, the bumper 222 may be a unitary member extruded directlyover the container body 202 or integrally with the container body 202.

The bumper 222 may comprise a first pair of openings 228A, 228B locatedadjacent one another opposite a plane P bisecting the container 200. Theopenings 228A, 2289 are identical to one another with the exception oftheir respective location. Accordingly, any description of openings 228Abelow applied to opening 228E as well. Opening 228A tapers from a firstlarger profile at front surface 112 to a second smaller profile at apredetermined depth within the bumper 222. Preferably, a cross-sectionalshape of the opening 228A, 228B remains the same throughout its depth.The exemplary tapering configuration offers the benefit of acompressible and expandable opening which is capable of deforming toabsorb external forces applied thereto while minimizing the amount ofmaterial removed from the bumper 222, thus retaining a maximal amount ofstructural rigidity. Although the openings 228A, 228B are depicted witha substantially oval cross-sectional shape, other shapes are envisionedwithin the scope of the invention, including but not limited tocircular, oblong, rectangular, pyramidal, etc. Preferably, any shapeused for the openings has rounded vertices to aid in load distribution,as those of skill in the art will understand. A pair of openings 228A,228B is provided adjacent side walls 216, 218 respectively. Preferably,the openings 228A, 228B are larger than openings 230A, 230B and arepositioned at a midpoint between upper and lower surfaces 206, 214.Further, the openings 228A, 2289 are bounded by a protrusion 229 formedas an arc extending radially outward from the container 200. Thisconfiguration is selected to aid in absorption of external forcesapplied to the container 200 when dropped on side surfaces 216, 218.That is, the protrusion 229 is able to absorb and dissipate a forceapplied to the side surface 216, 218 so that the full extent of theforce is not applied to the container body 202 itself.

The bumper 222 further comprises a plurality of openings 230A, 230Bprovided at each of the four corners of the container 200. The openings230A, 230B may be formed with a substantially triangular cross-sectionalshape having rounded vertices although any of the shapes described withrespect to the openings 228A, 228B may also be used. As depicted forexample in FIG. 2C, the openings 230A, 230B are configured to absorb anddissipate forces applied to the container 200 when dropped on any of theeight corners. Specifically, the opening 230A and/or 2309 may becompressed, expanded or otherwise distorted when subjected to anexternally applied load, thus reducing the magnitude of the forceapplied to the container body 202. Although the portion of the bumper222 having the openings 230A, 230B is depicted as being in line with theouter dimensions of the container body 202, the bumper 222 mayalternatively comprise protrusions (not shown) similar to protrusion 229at one or more of the openings 230A, 230B.

In one embodiment, the openings 228A, 228B and 230A, 230B are not opento one another but rather, separated from one another by a minimumpredetermined distance. Alternatively, the openings 228A, 228B and 230A,230B may be in contact with or open to one another to create shockabsorbing and energy dissipating zones that significantly strengthenvulnerable areas like the side surfaces and corners.

The exemplary openings 128, 228A, 228B, 230A, 2308 are configured towork together by incorporating fluid flow principles to create internalbaffles that control the flow of fluid within the container 100, 200when subjected to severe stress. The net effect of these openings is toabsorb shock applied to the container 100, 200 by using fluid andvalving to control dampening when shock is induced. In one such example,when the container 100 is subjected to shock, the fluid contents thereoffollow a flow patterns as indicated by arrows 1, 2, 3, 4 within thecontainer body 102, wherein the fluid itself helps to absorb at least aportion of the external forces applied thereto.

In a preferred embodiment, the bumper 222 is capable of withstanding apredetermined shear stress on the upper surface 206 and lower surface214, where:

$\tau_{1} = \frac{F}{A}$

wherein, τ₁=shear stress;

-   -   F=force applied to upper surface 206 and lower surface 214; and    -   A=area of one of the upper surface 206 and the lower surface        214.

Side surfaces 216, 218 are capable of withstanding at least a shearstress τ₂. Front and back surfaces 212, 220 are capable of withstandingat least a predetermined shear stress τ₃. The bumper 222 is capable ofwithstanding a greater shear stress on side surfaces, front surface andback surface due to the placement and orientation of the openings 228A,228B, in combination with the construction of the bumper 222 surroundingthe container body 202.

In another alternative configuration, any one or more of the openings228A, 228B, 230A, 230B may be replaced with a boss (not shown)protruding out of an outer surface of the bumper 222.

The containers described herein may be used for the storage of any of avariety of liquid, gel, solid or semi-solid products such as toothpaste,oral care solutions, home cleaning products, soaps, fabric softeners,deodorants, lip treatments, etc. as well as for non-liquid products.

The embodiments described herein may be modified to add or replacefeatures of one embodiment with another. For example, any of theembodiments described herein can be modified to be integrally formedonto a container body or be removably attached thereto. Further, any ofthe protective features described herein may be combined into acontainer body to provide added protection. Any combination andmodification of the components described herein is envisioned within thescope of the invention.

1. A container comprising: a container body having a cavity forreceiving a product therein, the container body having a front surface,back surface, first sidewall and second sidewall; and a bumper attachedto or integral with at least a first sidewall of the container body,wherein the bumper comprises a first opening extending thereinto by apredetermined depth, the bumper being configured to elastically deformto absorb external forces applied to the container.
 2. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the first opening extends along an axis parallel to alongitudinal axis of the container body.
 3. The container of claim 1,further comprising a second opening extending into the bumper by thepredetermined depth, wherein the first opening is positioned adjacent afirst sidewall of the container body and the second opening ispositioned adjacent a second sidewall of the container body.
 4. Thecontainer of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second openings ispositioned at a longitudinal midpoint of the container body.
 5. Thecontainer of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second openingsextends through the bumper and is open at first and second ends thereof.6. The container of claim 3, wherein the first and second openingsextend over at least 50% of the length of the container body.
 7. Thecontainer of claim 3, further comprising: a third opening extending intothe bumper and positioned opposite the first opening, the third openingbeing axially aligned with the first opening; and a fourth openingextending into the bumper and positioned opposite the second opening,the fourth opening being axially aligned with the second opening.
 8. Thecontainer of claim 7, wherein the first opening is open to the thirdopening and the second opening is open to the fourth opening.
 9. Thecontainer of claim 8, wherein each of the first, second, third andfourth openings has a predetermined depth, said depth being less than adepth of the container, wherein said the first, second, third and fourthopenings are open at respective first ends and closed at respectivesecond ends.
 10. The container of claim 7, wherein the first, second,third and fourth openings are tapered.
 11. The container of claim 7,further comprising a plurality of additional openings extending into thebumper, wherein said plurality of additional openings comprises aplurality of pairs of opposed openings provided adjacent one or morecorners of the container.
 12. (canceled)
 13. The container of claim 3,wherein a sidewall of the first and second openings is curved.
 14. Thecontainer of claim 3, further comprising a protrusion formed on thefirst and second sidewalls adjacent the first and second openings. 15.The container of claim 1, further comprising a shipping label attacheddirectly to one of the container body and the bumper.
 16. A container,comprising: a container body having a cavity for receiving a producttherein and a lid sealing an opening to said cavity, the container bodyhaving a front surface, back surface, first sidewall and secondsidewall; and a protective bumper enclosing said container body, saidprotective bumper comprising a first opening extending thereinto by apredetermined depth, the protective bumper being configured to deform toabsorb external forces applied to the container.
 17. The container ofclaim 16, further comprising a second opening extending into the bumperby the predetermined depth, wherein the first opening is positionedadjacent the first sidewall of the container body and the second openingis positioned adjacent a second sidewall of the container body. 18.(canceled)
 19. The container of claim 17, wherein each of the first andsecond openings extends through the bumper and is open at first andsecond ends thereof.
 20. The container of claim 17, further comprising:a third opening extending into the bumper and positioned opposite andbeing open to the first opening, the third opening being axially alignedwith the first opening; and a fourth opening extending into the bumperand positioned opposite and being open to the second opening, the fourthopening being axially aligned with the second opening, wherein each ofthe first, second, third and fourth openings has a predetermined depth,said depth being less than a depth of the container, wherein said thefirst, second, third and fourth openings are open at respective firstends and closed at respective second ends.
 21. The container of claim17, further comprising a shipping label attached directly to one of thecontainer body and the protective bumper.
 22. A method of shipping,comprising: affixing a shipping label directly to a container accordingto claim 1, said container comprising a container body having a cavityfor receiving a product therein, the container body having a frontsurface, back surface, first sidewall and second sidewall, and a bumperattached to at least a first sidewall of the container body, the bumperadapted to absorb forces applied to the container to protect thecontainer body, wherein the bumper comprises a first opening extendingthereinto by a predetermined depth, the opening being configured toelastically deform to absorb external forces applied to the container;and shipping said container, with the proviso that no secondarypackaging is provided for said container, wherein said container isconfigured to withstand forces applied thereto during shipping withoutfracturing or leaking.